SandScript 2023 [Digital Exclusive]

egin eating the eggs.
“But I just can’t,” she says.
“Okay, so adoption, or we can just drop it off at a firehouse if you don’t want to deal with
people.”
“No, I can't, my Nana would be disappointed with me.” She looks away at a spot on the floor, as
she presses her arms into her chest. There is a tear forming in her eyes.
“So, we’re—you’re keeping it.” Is it hot in here? I feel a shooting pain in my arm. Am I having a
heart attack? There is a high-pitched cry coming from the table of the family. The younger one
is throwing a fit. Everything at arm’s length gets flung onto the floor. The mother and father try
to pathetically calm it down. The other is still watching videos. “I guess I’ll have to pick up a
smoking habit.”
“You know how expensive cigarettes are? They also raise your health insurance. Just say
you’re going on a coffee run.”
The parents apologize to the waiter, as they help pick up fallen tableware.
“What are you going to do about California?” I ask.
“I don’t know.” She curls over pressing her palms on her forehead. “I don’t know. I—” she
shakes her head. “I haven’t thought that far out yet.” Her breathing is fast and shallow. “Can I
still do it? I don’t have any support out there.” She looks up at me. “What if I fail, and they fire
me? What would I do then?” She starts hugging herself.
I move over to her side. I place my arms around her shoulders. “It’s okay. You’ll be fine. You’re
strong. Nothing is going to break your stride. Nothing is going to hold you down. Oh no,” I say
as I take deep slow breaths. Her breathing slows down. “That’s right. Breathe with me.” When
her breathing returns to normal and she lets go of herself, I move back to my side.
“You know that I thought about getting fixed before.” I do a pair of scissors with my fingers.
Her eyes flickered toward me. She says, “What happened?”
The waiter is back with the check. I hand him my card.
“It costs something, and I didn’t think anyone would ever want to have sex with me. So why
waste money?”
“Well, that’s true now.”
I laugh. “Yeah, you’re right. So.” I take a sip of my water glass which is only ice. “So, how
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